Loading Dock Manager
The Loading Dock Manager at The Cooper oversees all logistics related to the hotel's loading dock, receiving, and distribution operations. This role ensures that all inbound and outbound deliveries are managed safely, efficiently, and in strict adherence to the hotel's policies, luxury service standards, and security protocols.
As a key leader in the back-of-house operations, the Loading Dock Manager acts as the central point of coordination between vendors, Purchasing, Security, Engineering, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Spa, and all operational departments. This role maintains the highest levels of organization, accuracy, cleanliness, and safety to support seamless hotel operations and an exceptional guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations of the loading dock, ensuring safe, orderly, and controlled access at all times.
- Oversee the receiving of all hotel goods : OS&E, F&B non-food items, linens, amenities, spa products, engineering parts, retail merchandise, and packages.
- Verify all deliveries against purchase orders, packing slips, and quality standards before acceptance.
- Ensure that perishable items are immediately routed to proper storage areas (e.g., refrigerated, frozen).
- Enforce proper scheduling for vendor deliveries to prevent congestion and ensure efficient flow.
Vendor & Delivery Coordination
Serve as the dock's main point of contact for all vendors, delivery drivers, and service partners.Confirm vendor compliance with hotel protocols, including ID requirements, safety rules, and traffic flow.Work closely with Purchasing on delivery issues, backorders, damaged items, or discrepancies.Inventory Movement & Distribution
Coordinate prompt distribution of goods to the correct departments.Oversee tagging, logging, and secure movement of high-value items, equipment, and controlled goods.Ensure FIFO (First In, First Out) practices in coordination with the storeroom staff.Safety, Security & Compliance
Enforce safety standards, including PPE requirements, equipment handling procedures, and emergency protocols.Maintain secure access control in partnership with Security and follow proper contractor / vendor sign-in procedures.Ensure compliance with hotel policies, local regulations, fire codes, and food safety standards.Document all incidents, delivery issues, or policy violations.Cleanliness & Organization
Maintain an impeccably clean, clutter-free, and well-organized loading dock and receiving area that reflects five-star hotel standards.Oversee daily cleaning checklists and waste / recycling management processes.Monitor equipment (pallet jacks, lifts, carts) and coordinate maintenance or repairs.Leadership & Team Management
Lead, train, and schedule loading dock and receiving staff, ensuring consistent performance and adherence to SOPs.Conduct ongoing coaching and performance evaluations.Foster a collaborative culture with other departments to anticipate and meet operational needs.Pre-Opening Responsibilities (if applicable)
Coordinate pre-opening delivery schedules for OS&E, FF&E, linens, uniforms, minibar, spa, and housekeeping items.Oversee staging, tagging, and distribution of large-scale shipments.Maintain detailed tracking of pre-opening inventory movements, exceptions, and warehouse organization.Partner with Purchasing and Project teams to support installation timelines.Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 35 years of experience in logistics, warehouse operations, receiving, or supply chain management; luxury hospitality experience preferred.Strong understanding of receiving procedures, inventory control, and vendor management.Experience with purchasing / receiving systems (e.g., Infor, BirchStreet, Coupa, or equivalent).Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to partner cross-departmentally.High integrity, attention to detail, and a proactive problem-solving approach.Ability to remain calm and organized in fast-paced, high-volume operational periods.Physical Requirements
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 3075 lbs regularly.Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving goods throughout the loading dock and storeroom areas.Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and climb step stools or ladders.Ability to operate loading dock equipment such as pallet jacks, dollies, carts, and lifts safely.Ability to work in varying temperatures (e.g., dock, coolers, freezers).Ability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.